The Green Bay Packers stuck to their tried-and-true ways in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft by drafting an elite athlete on defense and forgoing the wideout position, but that doesn't mean things can get a little crazy on Day 2.

The Packers have three total picks in Rounds 2 and 3, specifically Nos. 42, 45, and 78. Per Rich Hill's trade value chart, those picks total close to the 12th overall pick in the first round.



That's obviously a pretty penny. Now, the Packers aren't going to trade all three picks – that wouldn't make any sense because, obviously, the 12th overall pick is long gone. But they can certainly make whatever move they desire, for the most part, which is going to make Friday evening very interesting.

Green Bay Packers Day 2 Mock Draft

Round 2, No. 42 overall: S Brian Branch, Alabama

The Packers need help at safety and Branch gives them an extremely intelligent and versatile player that can play both free safety and the nickel position.

Matt LaFleur has made it clear that Keisean Nixon will get a fair crack at nickel, so the Packers have a plan, there. They still need someone to play safety alongside incumbent starter Darnell Savage, however. Rudy Ford has shown promise, but he shouldn't stop the Packers from drafting a safety on Day 2 if the player is worth the pick.

Branch can still rotate with Nixon at the spot when certain personnel is on the field, however, and, he also provides a backup plan in case Nixon doesn't work out. 

Overall, it's a sensible pick that should pay off in the short- and long-term.

Round 2, No. 45 overall: TE Darnell Washington, Georgia

The Packers kill two birds with one stone by selecting Washington. He is a massive man who is essentially a sixth offensive lineman on the field, but he also has the movement and receiving skills to become an effective option in the Packers’ passing attack.

We are going to get the news that Marcedes Lewis has joined Aaron Rodgers in New York any day, now, so the Packers are going to need someone to replace Lewis' blocking prowess in both the pass game and run game. The Packers also simply need another solid option at the position, even if general manager Brian Gutekunst says he likes the tight end room.

Round 3, No. 78 overall: WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee

Tillman is Tennessee’s other main wideout who didn’t receive as much attention in 2022 because of a nagging ankle injury that never really went away. Honestly, one could argue a lot of Hyatt’s success was due to Tillman’s lack of involvement.

Either way, Tillman is a big-bodied receiver that has excellent body control, hands, and tracking ability. He's also a physical player that can consistently win 50/50 balls. And, not only is he unafraid to get his hands dirty in the run game, he's a good run blocker. He's not the best route-runner, but he has the tools and discipline to improve. He'll also allow Christian Watson play more in the slot, where he recorded a team-high 2.29 yards per route run in 2022.

Those all scream qualities the Packers look for in their wideouts. Tillman's ankle injury is also completely behind, which should allow him to hit the ground running this offseason.

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• Round 2, No. 42 overall: S Brian Branch, Alabama
• Round 2, No. 45 overall: TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
• Round 3, No. 78 overall: WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee

This would be a good Day 2 haul for the Packers. They now have players that can compete for a starting safety spot and a starting tight end spot. Tillman adds depth to the wide receiver room and can end up as a steal if he continue the trajectory he was on in 2021.